Ross Robertson

The new technology could lead to people immunising themselves against flu at home and would reduce dangerous waste from hypodermic needles.

The patch looks like a plaster and is worn by patients for 20 minutes on the wrist while microneedles which contain the immunisation dissolve.

It was subject of a study published in the Lancet of 100 people in the United States with 70% preferring the patch to a traditional injection.

Dr Nadine Rouphael, associate professor of medicine at Emory University and lead author of the study, said: "Despite the recommendation for adults and children to receive a flu shot, many people remain unvaccinated.